Voting-machine.



I E. B. WILLIX.

VOTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.30, 1908.

Patented May 4, 1909.

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991mm 9. W7. 4 a 2 4M E. B. WILLIX. VOTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED NOV.30,1908.

Patented May 4, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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- VOTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED NOV. so, 1908,

920,706. v Patented May 4, 1909I 3 SHEETSSHEBT 3.

ENOS B. WILLIX, or MOUNT VERNON, IOWA.

VOTING-MAQHIN E Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 4, 1909.

- Application filed November 30, 1908. Serial No. 465,227.

To all whom it may concern:

'Beit known that I, ENos B. WILLIX, citizen of the United States, residing at Mount Vernon, in the county of'Linn and State of Iowa, have invented a certainnew and useful Improvement in Voting-Ma'- tion. My invention is to be considered; as a modification and improvement of a Patent August 1907, in which there were two lock pin ons that meshed into each other and tions of both pinions. ,The second the look was formed by certain attachments to the second pinion whichwere adapted to engage the first ..pinion at certain predetermined times and lock the. further rotainion was restored or rotated back tonorma position by the separation of the two pinions when the look was raisedat the exit of the elector from the voting booth.

In my present inventionthere is substituted for the secon'd; pinion a sector-plate which, with the appliances-connected there with and herein after described, constitute the lock proper and which remain in operative contact with the first pinion at'all times. Both the pinion and the ,sector-plate are restored at the'same time to normal or drawings accompanying the same and form-.- K

voting position by the operation of the exit lever when the elector leaves the voting booth.

In what it consists, its modeof construction, and its manner of operation will be described and illustrated in the following speciing a part hereof inwhich,

Figure 1, is an end view of the lock and one of the sustaining brackets shown partly in dotted lines together with the box in whichthe lock is located. Fig. 2, is a front elevation of two of the locks. Fig. 3, is an oppositeside view from Fi 1, of the lock removed and showing the (logs in position.

Fi 4, is aback view of the locks;-

oike characters of reference denote con-- reslponding parts in each of the drawings.

eferring to the drawings, 2 designates the face of the voting: machine through which projectsthe voting keys 4. Through the machine longitudinally is mounted. a shaft 5 which is journaled in bracket plates 6 chines, of which'the following is aspeciiicaloosely mounted pinionsSiOne; for each office. Each of the pinions is provided with a dove-tailed groove 3 betweentwo adjacent cogs. in which may be inserted a key 7 for the purpose of coupling the pinions together to provide for voting for candidates in a collective office. Thepinionsmay vary in length according to the number of candidates to be elected to a given office'or they may all be made of the same length and coupled together as hereinafter described and. are provided with teeth or cogs 9. I

Above the shaft 5 is mounted a second shaft 10 which runs parallel with the shaft 5 longitudinally through the machine. Upon this shaft is mounted'a series of sector-plates 1 2- )rovidcd with teeth or cogs 14 which mes into the cogs 9 on the pinions 8. These sector-plates with their removable attachmehts and contacts constitute the locks of the voting machine and are separatedfrom and inde )endent of other parts of the machine. l hrough the sectors 12 are holes 15 in one of which is removably inserted a screw 16 which serves as a stop for the further 1'0- 1 tary movement of the sector for the purposes rarly shaped s 0t 18 cut in each sector' For" the purpose of limiting the movement of the sector-plates there is )rovideda lever 20 one 7 for each sector. he levers aremounted on'a shaft 22 which runs parallel with the shaft 10 longitudinally through the machine.

the plate 26 the, movement of the sector or look is directed and limited. Against the The lever 20 is also provided with 1 a lug 24 which engages and travels in the-slot 18 in the sector and the lever is further :vided with a shoulder or sto 25 which, w ien opposite inner side 30 of the casingv is secured a stop 32 which is set in the same laneas the screw 16 on the sector 12 and tlus'limits the backward movement of the sector.

Upon the shaft 10 is pivoted two dogs 34 and 35 which extend above the shaft 10 and are pivoted together by the-pin or'screw 36.

' any one time.

These two dogs are provided with catches 38 which are adapted to engage in between the cogs 9 of the inion 8 and serve for the pur pose of a bra re to limit the rotation of the pinion 8. -They are set so that as one catch 38 engages between the cogs 9 the other will nearly contact with the outer end ofone of the cogs 9 and as the pinion 8 is rotated the catch 38 on the dog 34 will engage the opening between the cogs 9, and the catch 38 on the end of the dog 35 will contact with the By. this means, when the pinion is rotated as hereinouter end of one of the cogs 9.

after described, it cannot be rotated more than the distance between any two cogs at The locks as thus constructed are all suspended from the shaft 10 which shaft is journaled in the bracket plates 6, and these bracket plates 6 form art of a box 40 in which all the locks are he (1.

Beneath the box 40 and through the casing and plate 28 are set to reciprocate the vote keys 4 each of which is provided with an arm 44 and a handle 45 that projects out beyond the casing -30. The key is further provided with a slot 46 add tcd'to receive a portion of the casing 3D an limit the forward movement of the key. The key is also provided with a shoulder 50, which, when the key is forced into voting position, engages the side plate 28 andlimits its backward movement.

The manner of operating my device is substantially as iollowsz' It is first determined how many candidates for each ohice is to be voted for and if only one, then the operator sets the sector-plate or-lock by the insertion of the screwor ug 16 in one of the holes 15 of the sector at such place, that when the voting key is pushed in for the purpose of voting, it will not rotate the pinion and through the pinion move the sector more than the distance between two cogs, when the screw 16 will'come into contact with the sto 32 and prevent any further movement of t at particular pinion 8 or sector 12. If it be a collective ofice in which there are, say, four candidates to be elected for that ofiice, then the four contiguous pinions 8 are coupled to gether by sliding the dovetailed key.7 in the dove-tailed groove 3 and this holds the four pinions together and they will then operate as a single pinion adapted to be engaged by four of the arms 440i the keys on each party ticket; also the screw 16 being placed at such distance from the end, in one of the holes 15, that the sector-plate can be rotated the distance of :the spaces between five adjacent cogs 9. This adjustment of thescrew 16 is made upon each sector usedin this ofiice. If, in a collective ofice, where there are numerous candidates to be voted for as for m-r stance in the election of 27 electors torpziiesi .dent 1n the State of Illinois, then there mli be no necessity for but two sectors, one at-each sconce one sector need be used for that office. Then the elector grasps' the handle 45 of the vote key 4 and raises it up out of the slot 46 and pushes it inward through the casing 30and plate 28 until the notch 50 comes in contact with the plate 28 and stops its further movement. As the key is forced inwardly the arm 44 engages one of the cogs 9 of the pinion 8 and rotates it the distance between. tuo cogs. This movement rotates in the opposite direction the sector-plate or look the same distance and when it is moved backward, the screw 16 will contact with the stop 32 and prevent any further rotation of the sector and then the sector is locked or looks all further voting for that 'ofhce. If the elector has made a istake and wishes to change his vote he wit draws the vote key 4 and that brings the arm 44 into engagement with one of the cogs 9 and rotates back the pinion 8 and the sector 12 to its normal position and then he can shove in another vote key from some other party as there are for each oflice one vote key for each party for the same oiiice. If it be a collective ofiice for which, say four candidates for one ofiice are to be elected then the elector can push four of the vote keys 4 on the same party or one on each party for four arties an that will rotate the pinion 8 the istance of the space between ve cogs and also five cogs ,on the sector till the screw 16 will have come into contact with the stop 32 and prevent the voting of any more ke s 4.- In this manner every of iice for which the elector has forced in the requisite number of keys will be locked by the sector against the introduction of any other key.

\ It will be noted that thelock 12 is common more keysfor each oi'hce and that none of the keys are connected either to the pinion or to the sector plate, and as the voter only moves one key at a tizneand as it is moved it moves the lock one notch, there is no possibility of fraudulent voting 'by the voter pushing in more keys than he is entitled to nor can he in any manner render thelock ino erative by the use of, or injur to the'vote reys.

After the elector as chosen the parties for the various oflicesfor whom he desires to vote and has introduced the keys corresponding with such offices, then he passes out of the voting booth and operates an exit lever its contents and attachments including the ,pinions 8 and sectors 12 and as it is raised the various shoulders 25 of the levers 20 engage theplate 26 and this turns back the levers 20 and by the lugs 24 in engagement Wltl'lllhfi slots 18,-rotates back the various sectors and pinions to their normal positions, and the on 40 with the pinions 8 and sectors l2; are

the

' only the re coupl tot enum er lowered to their normal position by the return of said'en'it lever to its normal position.

It' will be seen that thepinions; and sectors are always in engagement, with each other;

whether they are in voting position or are raised for, restorin them to voting position. As the'manner' ln which the box and. the

' and lowered and restored to voting my invention,, and may be done 1n the same manner as it is donein the above mentioned patent or by other convenient construction, it is nofldescribed inthis' application. f It will-be observed that, the elector is preventedirom casting-more than one to" be elected but for collective ofiiceshecan cast a vote foreach and ever one in that, collective ofiice, selecting them from allof thev'arious parties but can cast 1 iuisitennnibeiof votes for'th'at oflice, and t he canla'ccomplish by simply ling u 1 two or more pinions according a given ofiice.

- that when the locks are raised-and the shoiilders 25 engage thelplat 26 that the wa 20 will restore "all m of to their normal tors be in asin'g e ofiice or a collective'ofiice, a's'the levers '20 the engagement "oi' the shoulders 2i5fwith'the plate 26"operate the lugs in the slots 18 to'hring all ofvthe sectors to the same' position and open the'locks' ready for the next voter and as the sectors the sectors andpinions are rotated back they rotate back the 'pinioii's to their normal position,

' Having'now descrihed'my invention what Igclaim and desire to se ent is 1- 1.- In a votingmachine,

of asector plate,

movement of fthe A a lock consisting means for determiningthe late adus'tab lyisecured to'theplate and a aptedto 'e engaged from outsi e o'f the plate, "and meansadapted'to engagethe plate and move the plate'fa predetermined distance. '2., In a votrngmaclnne, a lock consistin of a sector plate provide'dwith teeth or cogs on a shaft anddisc'onnected from crating parts of the machine, 'an'admounted the o' justa apted togengage the pinion'and'ro tate it and the sector one or more cogs, means engaging the pinion to limit its rotation, and means adapted to engage I it and saidpinion back normal,

position isno t a part of v, lQvote for ndi t f r any office in which there is on of candidates to l e-elected for" Itwill fnrther be observed osit ions whether these sec-- cure Letters Patpinion setto akey for rotating the pinion, alever adaptecil le stop attachedIto the sector, 'a pinion mounted on a shaft and in mesh'with 'the' sector at all times, means ad osition after the elector has ad} van ced the plate in the actof voting.

- 4'. In a voting machine, a lock consisting of a plate, a pinion engaging the plate to move the plate a predetermined, distance,- a stop adjustably attached to the plate for limiting the movement of the plate, and means including a lever engagin the plate for restorin the sect or plate an pinion to their norma position after they have been moved a predetermined distance.

5. In a voting machine, a lock consisting of a plate, means connected with the late, for determining its movement in one irec: tion, means for moving the plate a pr e deter; mined distance, means engaging theplate to prevent themovement, of t the predetermined distance, and, a leverengaging the plate to retnrn the plate to its normalposition after it has been moved,

6, In a voting machine, alock consistin of 'asector laite, means forpredetermining the travel ofpthe plate, means or rotating the plate consisting of a pinion adapted to en; gage the plate, a key for rotatin vthe pinion, and a lever adapted to engage t e plate and rotate the plate and the pinion back to initial position after the elect-or has cast, his, vote;

7. 'In'a 'voting machine, a sector plate pivoted on a shaft and provided with a slot, a

pinion adapted to engage th tatethe plate, a key and a lever adapted plate and rotate the sector plate and-pinion to'normal position after they have beenrotated a predetermined distance in the, act 0t voting. v

8 Ina voting inachine,fla sector plate, adapted for rotation andprovided. with a slot, astop adjustably securedin the plate, a engage the plate and rotate, it,

6 Pl t eda for rot'ating'the pinion.

to engage the slot in the plate, and means engaging the lever to rotate the pinion and, plate to normal position after the elector has casthis vote.

- 9. In a voting machine, a shaft, a sector plate mounted on said shaft, an adjustable, stop attached to said'sector, a'pinion mount ed on a shaftand in mesh at all times with said sector, means adapted to rotate the pinion in one direction and the sector in the op, posite direction, and means adapted to fengage'the' pinion and rotate it and said sector in two directions.

10. In avotmg machine, a lock consistlng of a sector plate provided Witha slotand pivoted on a shaft, a stop adjustably secured toth'e plate to 'predetermine the distance of rotation of the plate, apinion engaging the plate, a vote key for rotating the pinionand y the pinion the plate, a lever ivoted on a shaft and adapted to engage t e slot in the plate, with means for raising and lowering the lock, and means to engage the slot in the in combination with e plate beyond I engaging the lever for rotating the lock and I plates and rotate them, independent vote is raised.

ll. In a voting machine, a sector plate provided with an irregular slot and perforations in the plate, means engaging said perforationsto predetermine the travel of said sector plate, means engagin the plate to limit the rotation of the plate. in one direction, means for raising the lock, a lever pivoted on a shaft and adapted to engage the slot in the plate, and means engaging the lever when the lock is lifted to operate the lever to rotate back,the plate and pinion to initial position.

12, In a votin machine, a sector plate pivoted on a shalt, means for rotating the plate, means for limiting its rotation to a predetermined distance, a lever adapted to engage the sector plate, a shoulder on said lever, and a stop adapted to engage the shoulder on the lever and rotate the sector plate and pinion back to initial position when the lock is raised.

13. In-a votin machine, means for voting for plurality ol condidates for a collective ollice consisting of a plurality of sector plates for each oflice pivoted on a shaft, means for predetermining the distance of rotations of the plates, a pinion adapted to engage said plates, a vote key for each candidate on each party ticket, a lever one for each plate adapted to engage said plates, and means engaging the levers to rotate the sector plates and pinion while in mesh with each other back to voting position after the elector has cast the vote for that oilice.

14v In'a votin machine, means for voting for a predetermined number of candidates for. a given oilice and lock the oflice from further voting consisting of a plurality of sector plates ivoted on a shaft, an adjustable stop one or each plate to limit the rotation of said plates, a pinion adapted to engage all of said plates and rotate them a predetermined distance, vote keys one for each candidate on each party ticket adapted when 0 erated to operate the pinion and with it tl ie sector plates,-leve1's one for each pivoted on a shaft and engaging the p ates, a shoulder on each lever, and means when the locks are raised to engage the shoulders on the levers and rotate back to voting posi tion the sector plates and pinion after the elector has cast the votes for that ofiice.

.15. In a voting machine, a .lurality of locks consisting of plates pivots-e on a shaft, a pinion adapted to engage all of the sector pinion back to normal position when the lock keys one for each candidate on each of the l party tickets adapted to en age said inion l I l 4 at all times al I plurality of vote keys adapted to engage the and rotate it, a lever for eac plate a apted to engage each plate, and means for operating the levers to return the plates and pinion to initial position after they have con moved in casting the vote.

16. In a voting machine, a sector plate pivoted to a shaft and provided with a slot, a lever ivoted on a shaft and provided with a shoulr er and adapted to engage the sector plate in said slot, a late secured to the easmg and adapted to e engaged by the lever,

in combination with a pinion engaging the sector plate, a key engaging the pinion to rotate the pinion and with it the sector plate, and means when the sector and pinion are raised to bring the shoulder on the lever in engagement with the plate on the casing and rotate back the sectorand pinion to original position after they have been rotated by the vote key.

17. he votin machine, means for voting for all the candidates to be elected for a collective oiiice and lock the office against further voting in said oilice consisting of sector plates, two or more pinions coupled together to form a sin le pinion adapted to engage lthe sectors for that ofiice, a

pinion and rotate it, and means enga ing the sectors to rotate back the sectors and pinion while in engagement with each other to initial osition after the elector has cast the votes or that ofiice.

18. In a voting machine, a shaft, a pinion mounted on the shaft, a vote key adapted .to be reciprocated and rotate the pinion, means engaging the pinion to prevent the rotation of the pinion more than the space of one cog 'by the same key, a sector plate mounted on a shaft and adapted to be rotated by the pinion with which it at all times engages, means independent of the sector and pinion and engaging the sector for determining the distance the sector shall be rotated, and means for rotating the sector and pinion while in engagement with each other to normalposition after they have been rotated in the act of voting.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

' ENOS B. WILLIX.

Witnesses:

CHAS. M. HARTUNG, G. A. B. SMITH. 

